Link for Saturday a.m. updates
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Saturday, July 31st, 2010 at 7:24 am in Oakland Raiders.
Heading to Napa shortly for practices No. 5 and 6..
Updates can be found here on my Twitter page before following up with a post after interview sessions.
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
July 31st, 2010 at 7:43 am
#1
July 31st, 2010 at 7:58 am
112 was a nice post
Best year ever!
July 31st, 2010 at 8:02 am
Should be a good fight for what will start as the 3rd RB gig, but may end up playing a vital role when it is all said and done.
RB’s get injured, and Darren is teetering on being ineffective taking handoffs.
Whether it is Rock or Bennett, I wouldn’t be suprised if they end up getting close to the same carries Fargas got last year.
July 31st, 2010 at 8:05 am
Too many fans expect first rounders, especially top ten pics to set the world on fire. It rarely happens especially with QB and WR on offense.
July 31st, 2010 at 8:14 am
Dont think for a minute Al forget how to build a superbowl team.
Sure the team went to hell after the SB and Al screwed up as well, but Lance & Jadopehead really screwed Al, the Oakland Raiders and all us diehard fans.
But thats all behind us
Dont doubt Al
July 31st, 2010 at 8:14 am
I think our offense would be at it’s peak efficiency with Bush getting 14-20 carries a game, Bennent or Rock geting 5-10 carries, Darren getting a hanful of carries and 5-6 passes.
All depending on who is more effective that week. None of these guys are Walter Payton, where you just say we are giving him 25 carries come hell or high water.
If Bush starts off with 10 carries for 26 yards, you have to scrap it. If Darren is getting into the open-field that week (pinch me I might think I’m dreaming) than you start feeding him the rock.
Hue is going to have to think on his feet a lot this year. I have confidence in his game management being better than Cable, Knapp, and Kiffin so it should be greatly improved from years past.
July 31st, 2010 at 8:20 am
Firebaby
Which one is the best blocker?
July 31st, 2010 at 8:30 am
Good question.
I haven’t been all that impressed with Bush or Darren blocking. Darren will just flatten a 250 LB one play, than completely wiff on the next one. If he gains consistancy, he could be a great blocker, IMO.
No clue on Bennett or Rock, although Rock has played a lot of special teams and some FB, so my guess would be that he is OK in that regards, but it is just a guess.
July 31st, 2010 at 8:32 am
So Sam Bradford got a ton of money.
His accuracy is off the charts, but he rarely ever got hit in college, but when he did he got beat up.
I don’t think he will last in this league.
July 31st, 2010 at 8:36 am
Jabustford
July 31st, 2010 at 8:46 am
I am not as concerened about the weak oline as some here.
JC/Bruce can hit Bush/Dmac/Rock out of the backfield. That will keep the D from jamming the line of scrimmage.
We will be a much improved team that can actually pass,run, tackle and even block some.
Rock probaly catches better then Bennet as well. Michael may be here for insurance in case someone gets hurt
July 31st, 2010 at 8:47 am
so Cowgirl rookie #88 heard tell that come Aug 12 he was going to be rocked, can we say “Tatumized” by Raider safteties MM34 and Tyvon Branch. knowing that he claims to have twisted his ankle so he won’t have to get lit up. what a wuss.
the Ratface v. Fat Albert grudge match is a hoot isn’t it?
July 31st, 2010 at 8:47 am
Injuries notwithstanding, it looks like we are heading towards a 53 like this:
1. J Campbell (QB)
2. Gradkowski (QB)
3. Frye (QB)
4. D.McFadden (RB)
5. Bush (RB)
6. Cartwright (RB)
7. Lawton (FB)
8. Tonga (RB/FB)
9. Z.Miller (TE)
10. Myers (TE)
11. Stewart (TE)
12. Henderson (OT)
13. Barnes (OT/OG)
14. Veldheer (OT)
15. B Campbell (OT/OG)
16. Gallery (OG)
17. Carlisle (OG)
18. Loper (OG)
19. Walker (OT/OG)
20. Satele (C)
21. Morris (C)
22. Heywood-Bey (WR)
23. Schillens (WR)
24. Murphy (WR)
25. Higgins (WR/PR)
26. Ford (WR/KR)
27. N.Miller (WR)
28. Asomugha (CB)
29. C.Johnson (CB)
30. Routt (CB)
31. W.McFadden (CB)
32. Ware (CB)
33. Branch (S)
34. Mitchell (S)
35. Eugene (S)
36. Huff (S)
37. McClain (LB)
38. Goethel (LB)
39. Howard (LB)
40. Brown (LB)
41. Wimbley (DE/LB)
42. Groves (DE/LB)
43. Scott (DE/LB)
44. Richardson (DE)
45. Shaughnessy (DE)
46. Houston (DT/DE)
47. Kelly (DT)
48. Seymour (DE/DT)
49. Bryant (DT)
50. Henderson (DT)
51. Condo (LS)
52. Lechler (P)
53. Janikowski (K)
Practice Squad of Kellen Heard, Alex Daniels, Chane Moline, Alex Parsons, Stevie Brown and Paul Hubbard.
This feels stronger and more settled that for the last few years. More depth, more experience. Should be okay for somewhere between 7:9 and 10:6.
The big question marks are still at:
Fullback – we have little experience behind Lawton and he isn’t a world beater (and is suspended). Don’t know why we haven’t brought a vet like Brad Hoover into camp.
Center – Satele is still vulnerable against the bigger NTs and Morris isn’t starter quality. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kevin Mawae isn’t on Cable’s speed-dial.
Returner/5th/6th WR – Higgins has to prove his mental fortitude, Nick Miller is still a big unknown and Ford might take time to adjust. I think Cable would prefer to only take 5 WRs but that depends on either Higgins or Miller having an excellent camp. And Schilens foot holding up.
July 31st, 2010 at 9:11 am
Schilens heads back to the field house . . . done already? It’s a single practice in late July, but how thin does WR corps look now . .
7 minutes ago via PockeTwit
=======================================================
This guy is not reliable. He has not healed. Without good feet, an athlete is done…he’d have been better off with a broken arm or wrist…..
DHB had better be ready to roll. Thank goodness that Louis Murphy showed promise.
As for Schilens, he was only a 7th round pick so no real loss there.
WR: DHB, Murphy, JLH
July 31st, 2010 at 9:16 am
Feel bad for Schilens because I am sure he knows he has the prospect of becoming an NFL starter in his grasp. The chance for a career in the NFL as opposed to pushing paper at some desk….he’s got to get healed up man….at some point someone in Raiderland is going to start asking the question of why they are holding up a roster spot for a guy that can only give 6 games a year
July 31st, 2010 at 9:17 am
I think Reece will beat out Tonga
July 31st, 2010 at 9:34 am
I hope Chaz is fine. There is another great Aztec WR by the name Vincent Brown. Get Him next year Al!!!
Go Aztecs!!! My only wish is to beat BYU!!
Go Bucks!!! My only wish is to destroy preppie Mich, and we have done that for the last SIX YEARS!!!!
Go Raiders!!!!
July 31st, 2010 at 9:39 am
WRs can’t stay healthy in non-contact drills? This doesn’t look good for the season.
So it goes in Raiderland.
July 31st, 2010 at 9:40 am
DE L Houston will start this season! Print that!!!
July 31st, 2010 at 9:42 am
First team session, it’s Todd Watkins, Jacoby Ford at wide receiver
7 minutes ago
******************************
Notice….no JLH.
Makes you realize how thin we are at WR. We got talent, but everyone is really, really young.
I think Watkins and JLH are our senior WR’s, lol.
July 31st, 2010 at 9:50 am
Not a good last few minutes for Campbell according to Jerry’s twitter.
July 31st, 2010 at 9:51 am
DHB is Back on the field.
I think Our secondary will be great this year!!!
Nnamdi, Branch, Huff, CJ, and Mitchell!!
July 31st, 2010 at 9:51 am
As optimistic as I am about this season, the Raiders can’t truly contend with the best teams out there until they have consistency on the offensive line.
Hopefully Campbell and Veldheer pan out. Even then, the Raiders still have a need for a legitimate center (especially in a 3-4 happy division). A left tackle capable of taking on pass rushers like Dumervil, Merriman, etc. would also help.
I’d like to see this:
LT – Jared Gaither (free agent after this season I think?)
LG – Gallery (or Veldheer if Gallery can’t hold up)
C – draft Mike Pouncey in the second round?
RG – Bruce Campbell
RT – Veldheer (or Barnes or Henderson or Walker)
Even just marginal improvement on the offensive line could be the difference between the Raiders just being contenders in the AFC West, and the Raiders being contenders in the NFL.
July 31st, 2010 at 9:51 am
JLH will not be returning kics, doesnt have the heart to be effective in the slot, will be gone next year
July 31st, 2010 at 9:52 am
JFord/Nmiller will be your slot WR…
July 31st, 2010 at 9:53 am
thec is right. I think Ford will take over. He’s not a head case like JLH.
Man, whats up with our WR corp. This is without pads. Is Walter McFad the real deal?
July 31st, 2010 at 9:54 am
Wrting is on the wall for JLH, that weddle hit set my man back. I like him hope he will pull through it but he is a FA after this season, will not be coming back…
July 31st, 2010 at 9:56 am
I always liked the Walter Mcfadden pick.
Hope he can take Routt’s nickle role. McFadden may not have the size-speed measurables, but he has great ball skills, good instincts.
Something Routt has nothing of.
July 31st, 2010 at 9:56 am
Really concerned about WR depth. It’s not too late to go after Patrick Crayton, although the Cowboys might not be as willing now with Dez Bryant having a high ankle sprain.
If Vincent Jackson hits free agency after this season, the Raiders need to go after him hard. He’s got the same skill set as Schilens – great size and speed, good hands – but isn’t nearly as injury prone.
July 31st, 2010 at 9:58 am
I hope we are not dealing with Chaz injury the same way we did with FB OO.
July 31st, 2010 at 9:58 am
Where is Murphy, to date he is our best WR, he cannot go down….
July 31st, 2010 at 10:00 am
Routt was an Al DAvis reach and Davis is committed to him like Sam Williams. No football instincts whatsoever.
I liked the tube on Walter. I think he can be something. He’s going up against first teamers and holding his own.
July 31st, 2010 at 10:00 am
sounds like hes hurt Thec. But you know so far Ford sounds pretty good.
July 31st, 2010 at 10:03 am
Aig, I hope FORD pans out, we are going to need everyone to step up and contribute…
where is JLH???
July 31st, 2010 at 10:05 am
gimme an
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what’s that spell?
#85 DHB!
July 31st, 2010 at 10:05 am
DHB
It was leaping catch over defender; was shaking off pain in shoulder afterward
5 minutes ago via Twitter for iPhone
July 31st, 2010 at 10:06 am
Campbell fade to DHB in right corner inside 5. Nice pushoff and catch vs. Ware. DHB goes down hard. So does ZMiller on next play
July 31st, 2010 at 10:08 am
Higgins recently muffed punt and then just had pass go off his chest
about 16 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
July 31st, 2010 at 10:08 am
We should try to trade for Crayton, or Wait till the Boys release him, and then try to sign him. They Have Roy, Dez, and Miles Austin. They also have their PB TE, and another good young TE (M Bennett), so they will trade/ release Crayton. I think we should get him.
July 31st, 2010 at 10:09 am
Boller deep to Ford. Nice
about 17 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone
July 31st, 2010 at 10:10 am
Crayton is a slot WR. we have 3 slot guys in the fold…
July 31st, 2010 at 10:13 am
Off/Def: nice over shoulder interception by Branch; Campbell not having great morning
5 minutes ago via Twitter for iPhone
July 31st, 2010 at 10:14 am
Don’t be surprised to see Raiders run some plays with two tackles on same side
30 minutes ago via Twitter for iPhone
July 31st, 2010 at 10:15 am
More red zone work, Gradkowski finds Ford on slant for TD
2 minutes ago via PockeTwit
July 31st, 2010 at 10:15 am
# Thec07 Says:
July 31st, 2010 at 10:10 am
Crayton is a slot WR. we have 3 slot guys in the fold…
——————
Well, the Raiders have ONE slot guy (JLH) who is gun shy with questionable hands. And one guy who COULD be a slot guy, but is an undersized rookie who still has a lot to prove. Having a proven vet in there would help quite a bit. And Crayton has played in place of injured starters before, which is a position I don’t doubt the Raiders will find themselves in at some point this season.
July 31st, 2010 at 10:15 am
If there was contact, McClain would have blown up McFadden for 5-yard loss
less than a minute ago via Twitter for iPhone
July 31st, 2010 at 10:17 am
Well, the Raiders have ONE slot guy (JLH) who is gun shy with questionable hands. And one guy who COULD be a slot guy, but is an undersized rookie who still has a lot to prove. Having a proven vet in there would help quite a bit. And Crayton has played in place of injured starters before, which is a position I don’t doubt the Raiders will find themselves in at some point this season.
++++++++++++++
Continue to develop the young guys, just as we did last year…. F cast offs…
July 31st, 2010 at 10:18 am
JFORD/NMILLER i would trust those younstera like we trusted MURPHY last year…
July 31st, 2010 at 10:19 am
but is an undersized rookie who still has a lot to prove.
++++++++++=
By whos standards??? No such thing either you can ball or not…
steve smith of carolina is how tall???
July 31st, 2010 at 10:23 am
Mike Mitchell breaks up Campbell to ZMiller post. He’ll be interesting to watch Monday in pads
July 31st, 2010 at 10:26 am
# Thec07 Says:
July 31st, 2010 at 10:19 am
but is an undersized rookie who still has a lot to prove.
++++++++++=
By whos standards??? No such thing either you can ball or not…
steve smith of carolina is how tall???
———
By anyone’s standards. That’s just how it is. A lot of coaches actually prefer taller guys in the slot.
I’m not saying Ford can’t or isn’t going to be good. But one or two injuries is going to be a major setback for the receiving corps, and a rookie learning on the fly simply isn’t going to be as reliable as a veteran (as evidenced by last season).
July 31st, 2010 at 10:26 am
Offense backed at 1, session to create field position. Campbell wedges for a yard, Reece for 2 and Campbell thjrows deep sideline strike JLH
5 minutes ago via PockeTwit
July 31st, 2010 at 10:27 am
Huff, CJohnson have Ford blanketed on Frye deep sideline attempt to Jacoby Ford
1 minute ago via PockeTwit
++++++++++++++++========
Couple of practices allready drawing the double….
July 31st, 2010 at 10:29 am
With Dez Bryant out Cryaton now is the number 3.
Wes welker led the league in recieving. small guy in the slizot…
July 31st, 2010 at 10:31 am
These are not lollygag sessions. About as hard as you’ll see a team go with no pads
8 minutes ago via PockeTwit
July 31st, 2010 at 10:31 am
DHB comes back to catch Campbell out-route vs. Ware, gets props for rout from QB coach Paul Hackett.
4 minutes ago via PockeTwit
July 31st, 2010 at 10:34 am
DHB very intense, had crisp comeback route and exploding hard down field after every catch.
2 minutes ago via Twitter for iPhone
July 31st, 2010 at 10:39 am
McFadden drops dump-off with Houston looming.You forgot that one Thec.
July 31st, 2010 at 10:40 am
“The Ratface v. Fat Albert grudge match is a hoot isn’t it?”
That’s a good one.
I put my money on Ratface.
July 31st, 2010 at 10:40 am
So glad they picked up Jason Campbell. This will be a competent offense this year.
July 31st, 2010 at 10:42 am
Thec-”develop the young guys….F cast-offs”.Excellent statement!!!!
July 31st, 2010 at 10:44 am
Couple of practices allready drawing the double….
***************************
LOL…..good one Thec
July 31st, 2010 at 10:44 am
lefty12 Says:
July 31st, 2010 at 10:39 am
McFadden drops dump-off with Houston looming.You forgot that one Thec.
+++++++++==========
On purpose…
July 31st, 2010 at 10:45 am
Just Fire Baby Says:
July 31st, 2010 at 10:44 am
Couple of practices allready drawing the double….
***************************
LOL…..good one Thec
++++++++++======
Gotta keep it light…lol
July 31st, 2010 at 10:45 am
sounds like DHB is having a darn good camp.
July 31st, 2010 at 10:46 am
Looks like the QB’s had a rough one Campbell looked bad today… Lets see what happens on the second sessions…
July 31st, 2010 at 10:47 am
darn it Murphy had a concussion without pads? they might as well put pads on to make it worthwhile.
July 31st, 2010 at 10:49 am
aig-raiders Says:
July 31st, 2010 at 10:47 am
darn it Murphy had a concussion without pads? they might as well put pads on to make it worthwhile.
+++++++++++====
How in the H do you do that???
July 31st, 2010 at 10:50 am
Aig, where do you see that Bro?
July 31st, 2010 at 10:50 am
Jerrymcd Murphy had concussion kicked in head Friday p.m., wikk go through concussion protocol, out a day or so, Cable said
July 31st, 2010 at 10:51 am
How do we know he has concussion?
July 31st, 2010 at 10:52 am
Problem is that there are no decent FA WRs available – so we either trade (Routt?) or wait until other teams start shedding talent.
When does Plaxico get out?
July 31st, 2010 at 10:52 am
At least Murphy doesn’t break his feet putting his shoes on.
July 31st, 2010 at 10:53 am
Kicked in the head…damn.
So much for the tap-dance practices huh.
July 31st, 2010 at 10:54 am
Look, if they go this hard, they might as well put pads on. Or else it’s silly. You know the young players are going hard regardless you have pads on or not. You might as well put pads on and get on with it.
July 31st, 2010 at 11:08 am
Has anyone considered Lendale White as a FB on a minimum contract? Big enough and still only 25.
July 31st, 2010 at 11:15 am
some interesting notes for you guys in case you missed them….from across the b writer.
———-
Seymour worked at defensive tackle Thursday after playing on the end last season. He said he doesn’t mind where the Raiders put him but sees himself as “a natural inside player.”
Rookie Lamarr Houston played outside Seymour at end, and coach Tom Cable said he anticipates the second-round pick playing as much as McClain. “I don’t see why not,” Cable said. “That’s why we picked him.”
——————
I think we can assume that it will be Matt S, Kelly/Hendu, Sey, Houston on the front 4 starting line this season.
July 31st, 2010 at 11:17 am
I think it goes without saying Ford and N Miller will make this team.
The question marks surrounding Chaz dictate N Miller for sure makes it.
This team will need all the depth they can get at the WR position. H Jackson should be afraid to get them all involved either.
WR who make team:
Murphy
Chaz
DHB
Ford
N Miller
JLH and Watkins battle?
July 31st, 2010 at 11:21 am
Cycle 5 complete: Murphy with a concussion DB’s look good…
http://www.raidernationstation.com/camp_2010
July 31st, 2010 at 11:22 am
Scottish Raider Says:
July 31st, 2010 at 11:08 am
Has anyone considered Lendale White as a FB on a minimum contract? Big enough and still only 25.
=================
Since he was booted for a drug problem no, none of the 32 teams have considered him.
July 31st, 2010 at 11:23 am
Lookin forward to Lamarr on Monday.
July 31st, 2010 at 11:23 am
aig-raiders Says:
July 31st, 2010 at 10:54 am
Look, if they go this hard, they might as well put pads on. Or else it’s silly. You know the young players are going hard regardless you have pads on or not. You might as well put pads on and get on with it.
====================
Hope they don’t get fined again…
July 31st, 2010 at 11:27 am
it’s camp so they can’t get fined. It’s the OTA that they can get fined. IMO.
July 31st, 2010 at 11:32 am
Hope they don’t! Thanks Aig have a large day! Go Raiders!
July 31st, 2010 at 12:24 pm
Bradford 50 million guaranteed now?!?! What a freakin JOKE! Bradford the next great rich NFL rookie BUST!
LOL!
To the NFL and the NFL Players Union:
Get your heads out of your collective asses and implement a ROOKIE SALARY CAP NEXT YEAR or get ready for a LOCKOUT!
July 31st, 2010 at 12:25 pm
you too Nnamdi.
July 31st, 2010 at 12:30 pm
DK post 85 was the first post from you that wasn’t trolling for a reaction or utter stupidity. I agree 100%.
One way to not be in the position of over paying another JaMeatball is to finish 10-6 or better every year and draft in the late 20’s.
July 31st, 2010 at 12:35 pm
# MistaBrown Says:
July 31st, 2010 at 12:30 pm
DK post 85 was the first post from you that wasn’t trolling for a reaction or utter stupidity. I agree 100%.
One way to not be in the position of over paying another JaMeatball is to finish 10-6 or better every year and draft in the late 20’s.
^^^^^^^^^
First post that wasn’t stupid??
Wow….I still have loooOOng way to catch up to you and the amount of STUPID posts you have throughout the years! LOL
July 31st, 2010 at 12:48 pm
report on Chaz and Murphy
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/raiders/detail?blogid=11&entry_id=69128